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The Grand Canyon, which runs through Dabu Town in Shaoguan and Polo Town in Yingde, stretches 15 kilometers and reaches a maximum depth of over 400 meters. It offers breathtaking scenery along the way. Flanked by steep, high-angled cliffs, the canyon is incredibly precipitous. The exposed rock within the canyon is composed primarily of dense, hard quartzite, sedimentary rocks formed over 300 million years ago. There are sightseeing stairs leading from the clifftop to the canyon floor, as well as a steep "ladder to heaven" with 1,386 stone steps.
Mid-subtropical humid monsoon climate zone, with abundant rainfall and pleasant weather all year round
Tenglongtan Scenic Area
Characterized by its grandeur, uniqueness, and imposing presence, it is the most imposing section of the canyon. Its main attractions are waterfalls and pictographic peaks, encompassing 19 scenic spots, including Tenglong Waterfall, Huanglong Waterfall, Liuyin Waterfall, Tongtian Ladder, and Rhinoceros Waterfall. Tenglong Waterfall, formerly known as Chengtou Waterfall, has a drop of over 200 meters, giving rise to the name of Dabu Town. Tenglong Pond, 18 meters deep and 60 meters wide, is emerald green and clear, with cascading droplets resembling smoke. Even more astonishingly, aquatic biologists discovered the "living fossil" of the water, the moon jellyfish, in the pool. This 650-million-year-old creature has extremely high environmental requirements, requiring no pollution.
Shuijuanzhai Scenic Area
Characterized by its secluded, deep, and exquisite beauty, this area forms the canyon's core. Dozens of streams and pools, including Peach Blossom Pool, Fairy Pool, Heart Song Pool, and Evergreen Pool, meander along the mountainside, rivaling the beauty of Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan. The valley also boasts nationally protected species such as Alsophila spinulosa. Stunning peaks crisscross the canyon, while scenic spots such as General Rock, Laughing Child Delivering Wealth, Immortal Buddha, and Immortal Umbrella Handle are dotted throughout the valley floor, creating a diverse natural gallery.
65 yuan (60 yuan ticket + 5 yuan high-altitude performance)
7:00-17:00
The Guangdong Grand Canyon is a major natural landmark known for its dramatic landscape formed over millions of years. The canyon is famous for its unique geological features and serves as an important site for ecotourism, attracting visitors with its natural beauty and outdoor activities.
The Guangdong Grand Canyon is located in Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province. It can be reached by taxi or private car from Shaoguan, which is about 30 minutes away. Public buses are also available, but may require transfers. The canyon is not accessible by metro.
The park is open year-round, typically from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months (March to May, September to November), when the weather is mild and comfortable for hiking and outdoor activities.
The entrance fee is approximately 60-80 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or through the official website for advanced booking, especially during peak travel seasons.
It is not strictly necessary to book tickets in advance, but it is recommended during peak seasons (e.g., public holidays or weekends). Booking 1-2 days in advance is generally sufficient.
To fully explore the Guangdong Grand Canyon, including hiking, visiting viewpoints, and taking part in activities like rafting, it will take about 4-6 hours. A full day is recommended for those who want to explore at a leisurely pace.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. English-speaking guides may be available upon request, but it is best to arrange this in advance.
Start by visiting the main viewpoints, then hike down to the river for rafting or kayaking. Afterward, visit the suspension bridge and enjoy the forest trails. A full loop of the canyon can be done in about 4-5 hours.
There are no official night visits or light shows at the Guangdong Grand Canyon, but special tours may be available during the peak season. It is best to check with the park for any seasonal activities.
The canyon can get crowded during public holidays and weekends. For a more peaceful visit, weekdays, particularly early mornings, are the least crowded times.
There are toilets and rest areas near the entrance and along the main hiking trails. Food and drinks are available at designated areas within the park. Shops selling souvenirs and essentials are also present near the entrance.
While some areas are accessible, the rugged terrain and steep trails may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors. However, there are some easier paths and areas suitable for children and families to enjoy.
Cash, cards, and mobile payment options (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are all accepted. It is recommended to have some cash on hand, as smaller shops and food stalls may only accept cash.
There are local restaurants near the entrance offering traditional Chinese meals. For more dining options, you can head to the town of Shaoguan for a wider variety of eateries.
Vegetarian options are available in the local restaurants, particularly in the temple areas. Halal food options may be found in Shaoguan but are limited near the canyon.
There are several budget hotels and guesthouses near the entrance to the canyon. For more luxurious accommodations, the city of Shaoguan offers a wide range of hotels.
Yes, there are souvenir shops selling local crafts, including handmade jewelry, traditional Chinese decorations, and local snacks.
The best transportation options to continue your trip after visiting are taxis or private cars, which can take you back to Shaoguan or nearby attractions. Public buses are also available but may require transfers.
